Di-bit recording technique and associated system

Abstract

Techniques and associated apparatus for recording and detecting data; and especially for detecting and processing recorded data with greater accuracy. Record information (computer data bits) is recorded along one or more information zones (tracks) of a medium. Head-positioning information may be derived from this, using a 'di-gap' transducer system comprising at least one related pair of transducer gaps aligned to register and sense information along a common record track, with the gaps being skewed oblique to the track direction, and aligned transverse to one another. 'Servo-bits' (providing head positioning information) and 'work-bits' may both be recorded along a given track, these bits, like the mentioned gaps, being skewed relative to the track direction and aligned transverse to one another; the servo-bits in any one track thus being aligned parallel to one of the gaps while the companion work-bits are parallel to the other gap, -- these gaps however being functionally interchangeable, with neither gap being dedicated to servo data or work data. Di-bits may be recorded (or pairs of parallel bits) in adjacent tracks but distinguished by recorded-frequency. Also, data read-out may be 'clocked' using means adaptive to varying data rate.